James John Knetzger

James J. Knetzger of Cedarburg passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, April 14, 2009 with his wife at his side. He was 68 years old. James fought a courageous battle against lung cancer for many months. James was born on October 26, 1940, in Germantown, to the late Leo and Irene (nee Kuepper) Knetzger. He graduated from West Bend High School in 1958. On November 18, 1961, he married his first wife, Joan (nee Mueller), and moved to Cedarburg. They were blessed with three children. Joan preceded him in death on April 27, 1974. James was united in marriage on February 1, 1975, with Rachel (nee Koester). Two more children blessed the family. James worked for Modern Equipment in Port Washington for over 29 years until his retirement in October 2005. He loved to spend time with his family, gardening, cooking, woodworking, fishing, and taking trips up north. His 14 grandchildren brought James much joy even to his final days. A longtime member of St. Francis Borgia Church, James was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society and the Knights of Columbus. James is survived by his devoted wife of 34 years, Rachel, children, Anthony (Ruth) Knetzger of Hubertus; Barbara (Michael) Wolfe of Cedarburg; Yvonne (Joseph) Wolfe of Grafton; John (fiance Sara Paul) Knetzger of Grafton; and Sarah (Garry) Heisler of Belgium; grandchildren, Teresa, Josiah, Leah, Rebekah, Michaela, Felicia, Sophia, and Elisha Wolfe; McKenna, Luke, Justin and Dominic Wolfe; Jonah and Emma Heisler. He is further survived by two sisters Sandra (Gerald) Bradt of West Bend and Mary (Mike) Schuetz of Slinger; brothers-in-law Jerome (Linda) Mueller of West Bend, Richard Borchardt of Jackson, Albert Peters of Mayville; sisters-in law Mary (Harold) Thimm of Hartford, and LaVerne (Gerald) Geiger of West Allis; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Joan), and sister (Carolyn). The family will greet family and friends at the church from 9 a.m. until 12 noon on Saturday, April 18, 2009, at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, 1375 Covered Bridge Road, Cedarburg. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow the visitation at the church at 12 noon. Burial will follow at the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials in James name can be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Francis Borgia Church. The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Cedar Spring Rehabilition Center, Vitas Hospice for their support and ARC Angels Senior Home care, especially Amber and Amanda, for their compassionate care of James. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society or St. Francis Borgia Church appreciated. Cemetery: St. Francis Borgia Cemetery Pioneer Rd. Just west of Wauwatosa Rd. Mequon, WI (map/driving directions) Visitation: 9am to 12noon at St. Francis Borgia North Catholic Church 1375 Covered Bridge Rd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 on April 18, 2009 (map/driving directions) Service: 12noon at St. Francis Borgia North Catholic Church 1375 Covered Bridge Rd. Cedarburg, WI 53012 on April 18, 2009 (map/driving directions)